GLAAD STATEMENT ON RICKY MARTIN COMING OUT

March 29, 2010, New York, NY - Statement from GLAAD President Jarrett Barrios regarding Ricky Martin’s decision to come out publicly on his Web site today:

"When someone like Ricky Martin comes out, hundreds of millions of people now have a cultural connection with an artist, a celebrity and, perhaps most importantly, a father who happens to be gay," said Jarrett Barrios, President of the Gay & Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD). "His decision to model this kind of openness and honesty can lead to greater acceptance for countless gay people in U.S., in Latin America and worldwide."

Jarrett Barrios is available for interviews in English or Spanish on the topic. Barrios is the father of two teenage sons. He previously served as the first openly gay and first Latino state Senator in Massachusetts.

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About GLAAD: GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. For more information, please visit www.glaad.org or connect with GLAAD on Facebook and Twitter.

About GLAAD

GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love. More about GLAAD >>